Seafood pasta salads are a perfect balance of lightness and flavor, making them a favorite for warm-weather meals, picnics, or casual dinners. This recipe combines tender pasta with fresh shrimp and crab meat, accented by crisp celery, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a hint of red onion for gentle pungency. The creamy lemon-Dijon dressing brings everything together with a tangy, zesty finish that elevates the seafood’s natural sweetness.
One of the best parts about this dish is its versatility and ease. It can be prepared ahead of time, making it great for meal prep or entertaining guests. Using rotini or penne allows the dressing to cling nicely to every bite, while the fresh dill adds a fragrant herbal note that brightens the whole salad. Whether served chilled on a summer afternoon or as a refreshing side to grilled dishes, this seafood pasta salad feels elegant yet approachable.
With a balance of protein from seafood and refreshing veggies, this pasta salad is a satisfying way to enjoy a light, nutritious meal without feeling weighed down. It’s ideal for anyone looking to add more seafood to their diet in a simple, flavorful way.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini, penne, or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Servings: 4
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with shrimp, crab meat, celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the pasta and seafood mixture. Add the chopped fresh dill and toss gently until everything is well coated. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled with lemon wedges for an added citrus boost.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This pasta salad offers a healthy dose of lean protein from the shrimp and crab, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins. The mayonnaise provides creaminess, but also adds fat, so those watching fat intake may opt for lighter mayo or a yogurt-based dressing. This dish is naturally gluten-containing due to the pasta, but gluten-free pasta can be substituted. It’s a great choice for a balanced, flavorful meal that’s satisfying without being heavy.
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